Your idea of a nice spring day doesn’t involve dealing with a dental emergency. Unfortunately, that won’t stop one from happening. Thus, it’s best to be prepared. Part of that involves finding a competent emergency dentist in Attleboro to trust your care to. Learn about some of the different forms of dental trauma and some important criteria your emergency dentist should meet.
What’s Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that causes a sudden decline in your oral health. Some of the symptoms can be acute pain, bleeding or a lost tooth or prosthetic.
No matter what type of trauma occurs, though, it’s vital that you remain as calm as possible and that you thoroughly assess the situation. Then, you should reach out to your emergency dentist.
Some Common Types of Dental Emergencies
The following is a list of some of the more common dental emergencies, along with tips on how to stabilize each situation until you can be examined:
- Toothache – One of the more frequently-occurring dental emergencies is a toothache. You can gently floss around the affected tooth to probe for any wedged food, and take ibuprofen to soften the pain until you can be seen by your emergency dentist.
- Dislodged Tooth – If a tooth is knocked out, grab it by the crown and store it into a cup of milk or water until you can be examined.
- Soft Tissue Laceration – A cut to the gums or lips can cause extreme bleeding. Thus, your main priority should be to stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure to the traumatized area.
- Cracked Tooth – If a tooth is cracked, your first step should be to make sure it’s still intact. If any pieces have fallen out your mouth, gather them in a plastic bag so you can give them to your dentist when you visit.
What Can Your Dentist Do for You?
To get an idea of what your emergency dentist can do to treat dental trauma, let’s consider a cracked tooth. One of the restoration methods the professional may use is dental bonding, which involves applying a compound resin directly to the tooth. The material is then shaped and hardened to recreate the original look and functionality.
The Traits of an Effective Emergency Dentist
It’s comforting to know the emergency dentist you’re working with is skilled and experienced in treating dental trauma. The right professional will leave you feeling safe, and you’ll be able to trust the care you’re given.
Finally, it’s important to ask if the dentist offers same-day emergency visits, a service that is becoming harder to find. This is important because procedures such as reinserting a dislodged tooth are time-sensitive, so you want to work with an emergency dentist who is accessible.
A dental emergency is definitely no fun, but with the help of the right professional, you can fully recover and go on to lead a normal life.
About the Author
Dr. William Herr earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry. A member of the Academy of General Dentistry, he has also received advanced training in such areas as oral surgery, endodontic treatment and periodontal surgeries. Dr. Herr uses his vast knowledge and experience to help patients recover from dental emergencies at Capron Park Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.